Prof. Tao Zhang Answers Our Questions
How does your professional background support your ability to be an authority on this book?
Prof. Tao Zhang: I have over 7 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, where I held positions as Senior Chemist, Principal Scientist, and Team Lead. In these roles, I gained extensive expertise in scientific research, project management, and leading teams. After transitioning to academia, I became a full-time lecturer, bringing my industry experience into the classroom and continuing to contribute to the field through research and publications.
What inspired you to write your book?
Prof. Tao Zhang: The Pharmacy Technician Studies (TU654) Programme Team at the School of Food Science and Environmental Health, Technological University Dublin, has made significant strides in developing several innovative approaches to Professional Development Training for pharmacy technician students. With my industry experience, I strongly believe these valuable initiatives should be shared and disseminated publicly, enabling a broader audience to benefit and promoting best practices across the field.
What is your mission for the title?
Prof. Tao Zhang: The mission of this publication is to serve as a resource that bridges the gap between academic training and industry practice for pharmacy technicians. By highlighting innovative approaches to professional development, I and all co-authors aim to enhance both the academic and practical aspects of the training. Through this work, we hope to inspire collaboration, encourage knowledge sharing, and ultimately raise the standards of education and practice in the pharmacy technician and related field.
How is your research going to impact your field of research and how does it relate to current trends and social matters?
Prof. Tao Zhang: Since the early stages of my career, my research has focused on three core areas: drug discovery, ethnopharmacology, and natural product research, all aimed at addressing pressing health challenges. Upon joining my current institution, I identified an additional critical area of research: bridging the gap between education and the evolving healthcare industry. This involves integrating emerging technologies, innovative pedagogy, curriculum development, and professional development into healthcare education to better prepare students for real-world demands. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the necessity for adaptable, forward-thinking approaches in healthcare education. My work seeks to align academic training with the dynamic needs of the healthcare sector, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the future of the industry.
Who is the publication intended for? Who ultimately will benefit from this title?
Prof. Tao Zhang: This publication is intended for educators in healthcare and science fields, as well as students, graduates, and professionals within the industry. Ultimately, it will benefit those involved in the training and development of pharmacy technicians, offering valuable insights to enhance both academic and professional practice.
What do you want people to know about your publication before they read it?
Prof. Tao Zhang: Before reading this publication, we would like readers to understand that this book chapter provides a practical and innovative approach to bridging the gap between academic training and industry practices for pharmacy technicians. It is designed to enhance both professional development and academic pedagogy by offering valuable insights for educators, students, and industry professionals alike. It is intended to inspire collaboration and contribute to the continuous improvement of healthcare education and practice.
What are some future directions for your research?
Prof. Tao Zhang: Future directions for my research include exploring inter- and intra-professional development training, with a particular focus on how healthcare education can better prepare professionals to collaborate across disciplines and adapt to the evolving needs of the healthcare system.
About the Contributor
Dr. Tao Zhang graduated with First-Class-Honours in BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Technology from Dublin Institute of Technology in 2004. He obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Quality Improvement in 2006 and a PhD in Pharmacy Research from Trinity College Dublin (TCD) in 2009. After completing postdoctoral research at TCD, he joined Trino Therapeutics Ltd in 2011, serving as Senior Chemist and Principal Scientist. In 2017, he joined APC Ltd as a Team Lead, managing a multidisciplinary team focused on (bio)pharmaceutical process development. Since 2018, Dr. Zhang has been a Lecturer at the School of Food Science and Environmental Health at Technological University Dublin, where he teaches various undergraduate programs and chairs the Pharmacy Technician Studies program. Dr. Zhang holds multiple roles, including Member of the TU Dublin Academic Regulations Committee, TU Dublin Faculty Board (Sciences & Health), Royal Society of Chemistry, and several other prestigious organisations. He is also an Associate Editor of BMC Chemistry. His research interests include curriculum design, pedagogical strategies, development of novel indane hybrid skeletons with biological activities, and ethnopharmacology. He focuses on identifying new indane compounds and their interactions with drug targets for conditions like central nervous system disorders, inflammation, and cancer. Additionally, he explores bioactive molecules from natural resources and the potential of traditional herbal medicine.